Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories, the research and diagnostic heart of F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company, is seeking a curious and passionate Research Scientist – Soil Science to advance arboriculture and plant health care. This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished soil scientist dedicated to applied research. As Research Scientist – Soil Science, you’ll develop and lead applied research programs in soil science, provide technical support to arborists and clients, translate scientific findings into practical solutions, train industry professionals, collaborate with research teams, publish research findings, and contribute to improving tree and landscape plant health across North America.
About Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories — Arboriculture Science Leader
Parent Company: F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company with 500+ arborists and 3,500+ employees
Geographic Scope: 130+ offices across United States, Canada, Ireland, and United Kingdom
Research Centers: Charlotte NC (central hub), Cornelius OR, Reading UK
Charlotte Facility: 360-acre ArbNet Level IV accredited arboretum with 32,000+ accessioned trees
Mission: Advancing tree research and diagnosing plant problems to improve plant health care
Research Scientist Soil Science Role — Applied Research & Technical Leadership
Department: Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories, Charlotte, NC
Primary Focus: Soil science research for landscape plant health and urban forestry
Scope: Applied research, technical support, training, diagnostic work
Geographic Range: Based Charlotte with regular travel throughout North America
Research Scientist Soil Science Position Overview
The Research Scientist – Soil Science position at Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories represents a premier opportunity for an accomplished soil researcher passionate about advancing arboriculture science. You’ll develop and lead applied research programs focused on soil science with emphasis on practical, science-based approaches to improving soil function, root-zone conditions, and plant performance in urban and managed landscapes. Your research topics will encompass soil physical, chemical, and biological properties; soil compaction and restricted rooting environments; remedies for constructed and disturbed soils; urban soil restoration using mulches, biochar, and other innovative approaches; and factors influencing plant health and resilience. This role combines scientific investigation, technical expertise, educational outreach, and collaborative partnerships to support BTE arborists, clients, and internal teams in solving real-world tree and landscape challenges.
As Research Scientist, you’ll work directly with BTE arborists diagnosing plant health issues and translating scientific findings into management recommendations; provide on-site technical support and training to BTE offices; develop and maintain technical management recommendations; create educational programs and factsheets; respond to arborist inquiries; participate in BTE training programs; develop industry contacts and serve on professional committees; and lead research technicians. Your research is internally funded or supported through collaborative partnerships — grant writing is not required. This highly collaborative and dynamic position blends applied research, technical support, training, and scientific communication. Your work directly advances understanding of soil-plant interactions, improves tree health care practices, and strengthens BTE’s position as arboriculture industry leader.
Why This Role Matters: As Research Scientist – Soil Science at Bartlett Tree, you advance arboriculture and plant health through soil science research, develop practical solutions for urban soil challenges, support 500+ arborists across North America, contribute to scientific knowledge through publications and presentations, improve tree health and resilience in urban landscapes, mentor research technicians, and advance career with world-renowned arboriculture research organization.
Key Responsibilities & Research Scientist Duties
Applied Research Program Development & Leadership
- Develop and lead applied research programs in soil science with focus on practical solutions
- Research soil physical, chemical, and biological properties in managed landscapes
- Study soil compaction and restricted rooting environments with remediation strategies
- Investigate urban soil restoration using mulches, biochar, and innovative approaches
- Establish cooperative research with academia, government, non-profit, and allied organizations
- Identify research priorities based on emerging needs and opportunities
Technical Support & Diagnostic Services
- Work directly with BTE arborists diagnosing plant health issues related to soil factors
- Translate scientific findings into practical management recommendations
- Provide on-site technical support and training to BTE offices throughout North America
- Offer field-based diagnostic support for soil health and root-zone management
- Support diagnosis of tree and shrub problems with soil science perspective
- Respond to arborist inquiries via phone, email, MS Teams, and text
Technical Recommendations & Documentation
- Develop and maintain Bartlett technical management recommendations with soil emphasis
- Create Technical Reports (factsheets) for use by BTE staff and public
- Develop articles for BTE website, publications, and newsletters
- Write about soil diagnostics, soil management, and tree preservation topics
- Ensure recommendations align with arboricultural practices and environmental factors
- Support evidence-based decision-making through technical documentation
Educational Programming & Training
- Create educational programs on landscape plant issues and soil care
- Develop training materials for company personnel and clients
- Participate in bi-annual technical update sessions and division sales meetings
- Conduct lectures, field sessions, and lab demonstrations for BTE training
- Support BTE client seminars and Client Days events with expertise
- Lead arborist representative and plant health care specialist training sessions
Scientific Publication & Industry Engagement
- Publish research results in scientific and technical journals
- Contribute to industry trade magazines and company publications
- Present research findings at conferences and industry meetings
- Develop and maintain contacts with tree care industry professionals and societies
- Serve on professional boards and committees representing BTE interests
- Participate in International Society of Arboriculture and related organizations
Research Team Leadership & Oversight
- Lead and organize activities of Research Technicians
- Ensure alignment with research goals, training, and operational standards
- Provide regular updates on research progress to Director of Research
- Support professional development of research team members
- Mentor technicians in soil science methodologies and best practices
Qualifications & Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Ph.D. in Soil Science required
- Ph.D. in Agronomy with soil emphasis acceptable
- Ph.D. in Horticulture with soil science focus acceptable
- Ph.D. in Urban Ecology or closely related program with soil systems emphasis
Research & Technical Experience
- Proficiency with field plot and laboratory experimental design
- Strong background in statistical analysis and data interpretation
- Hands-on experience with soil sampling and soil testing methodologies
- Expertise interpreting soil physical, chemical, and biological data
- Experience in managed or urban soil environments preferred
- Background in field and laboratory research methods
Plant & Arboriculture Knowledge
- Professional experience or formal studies in woody landscape plant identification
- Understanding of soil-plant interactions in managed landscapes
- Knowledge of ISA Best Management Practices and urban tree management
- Familiarity with integrated plant health care programs
- Understanding of soil management role in plant performance
Communication & Presentation Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience giving scientific presentations to diverse audiences
- Ability to communicate with scientists, arborists, public, and industry professionals
- Strong technical writing and publication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with urban and disturbed soil systems
- Knowledge of constructed soils and soils affected by construction
- Experience with field and lab diagnostic techniques
- Background collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams
- Experience with soil physical assessments and fertility analysis
- Knowledge of biological indicators of soil health
Career Development & Growth Opportunities
Professional Advancement
- Research scientist role with world-renowned arboriculture organization
- Opportunity to lead research initiatives in soil science and plant health
- Exposure to cutting-edge arboriculture research and practice
- Career growth within Bartlett’s expanding research programs
Learning & Development
- Professional development in arboriculture and plant science
- Access to 360-acre Level IV arboretum with 32,000+ specimens
- Collaboration with leading soil scientists and plant researchers
- Mentoring from experienced research leadership team
About Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories — Global Arboriculture Excellence
Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories represent the scientific heart of F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company, advancing tree care knowledge and practice globally. The Charlotte facility, situated within a 360-acre ArbNet Level IV accredited arboretum, serves as central research and diagnostic center with access to over 32,000 accessioned trees and shrubs including major collections of magnolia, oak, crapemyrtle, crabapple, holly, and rare conservation specimens. With research facilities in Charlotte NC, Cornelius OR, and Reading UK, BTRL advances arboriculture science supporting 500+ arborists across 130+ offices worldwide. The organization commits to developing practical, science-based solutions improving tree and landscape plant health in urban, managed, and natural environments.
Career Excellence at Bartlett Tree: Join world-renowned arboriculture research organization, lead applied soil science research advancing tree care, collaborate with 500+ arborists across North America, publish research contributing to scientific knowledge, provide technical support improving plant health care, mentor research teams, access premier 360-acre arboretum and research facilities, and advance soil science career with industry-leading research laboratory.
Who Should Apply?
- Soil Scientists: With PhD and applied research experience
- Plant Researchers: From horticulture or agronomy with soil focus
- Urban Ecologists: With soil systems and arboriculture interest
- Research Professionals: Seeking applied research opportunities
- Academic Researchers: Ready to transition to industry research
- Forest Scientists: With urban or managed landscape background
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